Risk Management Magazine

Perhaps you know the type of overachiever who claims he can effectively carry out many tasks all at the same time. I’m one of those people. I can’t help it. Still, I know deep down I am more effective when I focus on one activity at a time.

Several years ago, two Soldiers were killed when they hit an oncoming vehicle. They’d both been drinking and neither was wearing a seat belt. They’d been on their way to pick up a fellow Soldier and bring him back to a party. However, they never returned. What happened changed my life forever. I was their platoon sergeant.

Our team cohesion was recognized by leadership, which named us best troop in the squadron. This boosted our confidence. In fact, I would say we became overconfident — maybe even a little cocky.